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by Jay Simonson

Jay Simonson and others won Gold at the 2011 Southeast Idaho Senior Games Chess Event, held on Thursday, July 21, 2011. Only 3 players besides Jay showed up for their chance at gold. Each was in a different age bracket or a different Division (Intermediate or Beginner), but agreed to play a three game Round Robin event. Everyone played each of the other players one game, with the WinTD pairing program designating who played white and black.

Jay first prevailed against Joe Avila, with the white pieces, then he had to face Steve Rowlands with the black pieces. Steve is arguably the best of the four players, but after an oversight by Steve, Jay won the game. In the third and final game, Jay faced new player, Bob Walker. Bob had a good attack going, but forgot to protect his Kingside and Jay was able to checkmate his final opponent.

Jay's score was 3, Steve's was 2, Joe's was 1, and Bob went scoreless. Since everyone was in a separate age bracket or different division, according to the Senior Games guidelines requiring medals in each 5 year age bracket, everyone received a gold medal. Jay's gold was for Intermediate Division, 65-69 age bracket. Steve's was for Intermediate Division, 75-79 age bracket. Joe's was for Beginner Division, 65-69 age bracket. Bob also won gold for Beginner Division, 70-74 age bracket. Steve began immediately trying to arrange a re-match with Jay, stating "I want revenge!" We are hoping to have a bigger turn out next year for the 2012 Southeast Idaho Senior Games Chess Event.